Promotional feature: Good health allows you to get the most out of life. But juggling commitments at work and home, with friends and family, it’s sometimes difficult to look after yourself.

Many conditions that affect women’s health happen gradually and can sometimes go unnoticed. A problem may start as a minor niggle, and before you know it you’ve learned to live with it, putting any concerns aside as you get on with life.

Painful periods or painful intercourse may be symptoms of a condition called endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue that behaves like the lining of your womb (the endometrium) is found outside the womb. It can cause lower abdominal pain and sometime be associated with fertility problems. You may experience a lack of energy and, in some cases the condition is linked to depression. However, the symptoms of endometriosis can vary significantly and some women have few symptoms or no symptoms at all.

See your GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis and ask to be referred to Nuffield Health Derby Hospital for diagnosis and treatment. There are many effective treatments for this condition including Mirena IUS which is a very small device impregnated hormones which act directly inside the lining of the womb, reducing bleeding and pain. There are also other medications as well as key-hole laser surgery to help with pain and improve fertility, all of which we offer at the Nuffield Hospital.

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the womb. They are common and usually cause no symptoms. Sometimes they cause heavy periods, tummy swelling and urinary problems. Your consultant can organise a scan if this condition is suspected. You no longer need a hysterectomy for fibroids as there are new treatments such as endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolisation and MRI focused ultrasound treatment and myomectomy which involves removal of fiborids.

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

The most common cause of heavy bleeding in the childbearing ages is what is called dysfunctional uterine bleeding - meaning there is no identified cause for abnormal bleeding. Simple treatment such as Mirena IUS and endometrial ablation are highly effective treatments. Endometrial ablation involves using energy(heat or radiofrequency waves) to remove the lining of the womb resulting in very light periods or no periods at all.

Our specialist women’s health consultants can diagnose and treat problem periods. Phone us on 0845 603 4346 for more information or to book an appointment.

Perimenopause

The perimenopause is the period running up to the menopause. It is often is associated with hormonal imbalances causing symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, hot flushes night sweats , tiredness and loss of libido. If your periods become irregular, more frequent and heavier at this time, see your GP to rule out any serious illness. They may prescribe medication to regulate your bleeding including hormone replacement therapy. The Mirena IUS or endometrial ablations are also effective in stopping your periods.

The Menopause

The menopause occurs when your periods reduce and stop (usually around the age of 50). You might experience painful intercourse, urinary incontinence and prolapse. See your GP if you experience any vaginal bleeding. During this period, you might experience painful intercourse due to the lack of oestrogen. Your GP could give you a pessary which helps restore the lack of oestrogen in the vagina and stops painful intercourse.

You might also experience the onset of bladder problems. If you find that you are going to pass urine frequently with urgency, leaking before you make it to the toilet, might suggest an overactive bladder. Avoid caffeinated drinks, hot chocolate, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Your doctor can prescribe medication and arrange retraining of your bladder. Leaking urine while exercising is called stress incontinence. Your GP can refer you for pelvic floor exercise training. If this is not effective, a specialist consultant can also perform key hole surgery called a tension free vaginal tape under local anaesthetic which is highly successful.

Prolapse

This is bulging of one or more of the pelvic organs (uterus, vagina, bowel or bladder) into your vagina. If you may have a sensation of a bulge or something coming down or out of your vagina, then you might have a prolapse. Other symptoms may include discomfort during sex, problems with your bladder and bowels. It is not a life threatening condition but can affect your quality of life.

If you suspect you have prolapse, see your GP who will undertake an internal examination and can refer you for treatment and pelvic floor exercise on diagnosis. Alternatively you may be referred for surgery to treat your prolapse permanently. Surgery is now performed as key-hole and often involves just an overnight stay in hospital and can be performed under an epidural anaesthetic.

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If you have any questions or concerns about these or any other women’s health issues, or to make an appointment, call Nuffield on 0845 603 4346.